Tag Archives: Hidalgo County

For generations, manufacturing has played a critical role in Texas’s diverse economy. Texas is home to approximately 17,500 manufacturing firms, with 80 of those being in Hidalgo County, said Mike Willis, treasurer of the South Texas Manufacturers Association. National Manufacturing Month is in October. Today, Oct. 4, the first Friday in October, is actually National Manufacturing Day. “Celebrating Manufacturing Month gets more people involved in economic development, it increases awareness and promotes…

Hidalgo Receives Recognition for Health Efforts

September 28, 2019

VBR

Featured Government News Comments

Hidalgo County’s Health and Human Services department has received state recognition in the form of a Gold Award. The award comes from the Texas Healthy Communities Program for efforts to reduce cardiovascular disease and stroke, as well as other chronic diseases in the county. “This award is a direct result of collaborative efforts of a workgroup coordinated by Ricardo Salinas,” said Eduardo “Eddie” Olivarez. Olivarez serves as Health and Human Services…

A New Vision of Mission

September 19, 2019

Ricardo D. Cavazos, VBR content editor

e-Brief Features Featured Government News Comments

Surveyor maps laid down the first legal representations in Hidalgo County in the late 1930s. L. David Flores, the deputy city manager of Mission, said these basic maps were used as the legal representations for the county and its cities up until the early 1990s. Computer aided designs were already creating early versions of the first digital representations of the old maps. City governments began making use of these digital…

Dual Enrollment Celebrates 20 Years

September 5, 2019

Ricardo D. Cavazos, VBR content editor

e-Brief Features Education News Comments

Rebecca Marie De Leon was an aspiring student and high school athlete at Mission Veterans Memorial High School when she enrolled in a dual enrollment program in the early 2000s. The future collegiate golfer was pressed for time in balancing academics and athletics. Dual enrollment, which blends college and high school courses, then grounded her in the need for effective time management. “It set the foundation for me,” said De…

Local Disaster Unemployment Assistance Available

July 28, 2019

VBR

Business Advice Featured Government Comments

The Texas Workforce Commission is accepting applications for Disaster Unemployment Assistance as a result of severe storms and flooding. Under Presidential Disaster Declaration (FEMA 4454-DR), workers who lost their jobs and self-employed individuals who have been unable to work due to damage sustained from flooding may be eligible for Disaster Unemployment Assistance benefits. Individuals affected by the recent severe storms and flooding in Cameron, Hidalgo, and Willacy Counties can apply…

State Association Recognizes HIDTA Agents

July 18, 2019

VBR

e-Brief Features Government Moving On Up News Comments

Two agents of the Hidalgo County Criminal District Attorney’s Office – High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force have top honors from the Texas Narcotic Officers Association. HIDTA Commander Juan Pablo Sifuentes is “Supervisor of the Year” and Agent Genovevo “Geno” Martinez III “Narcotic Officer of the Year” for the TNOA South Region. Both will receive recognition at the organization’s annual conference Aug. 19-22 in South Padre Island. Hidalgo County Criminal District…

Hidalgo Honors Deputies

June 6, 2019

VBR

Featured Government News Comments

Seven deputies recently received certificates and a resolution honoring both their bravery and heroism at the Hidalgo County Commissioners Court. Deputies receiving Life-Saving Medals are: Enrique Amaya for saving a gunshot victim Oscar Elizondo for saving a teenage girl who had been in an all-terrain vehicle rollover Jayson Rivera for saving a man who was bleeding from an arterial wound Sheriff J.E. “Eddie” Guerra, who had previously awarded Life-Saving and…

Hurricane Preparedness Fairs Begin

May 22, 2019

VBR

News Comments

In an effort to prepare the community for hurricane season, emergency preparedness fairs are going on this week across Hidalgo County. The 10th annual Dare to Prepare fairs aim to assist residents in planning for weather-related emergencies. To better reach the public, some of the fairs are in the evening and at larger and more convenient locations. Hidalgo County Judge Richard F. Cortez, who also serves as the county’s emergency…

Valley Economic Forecast Good

February 21, 2019

George Cox

e-Brief Features Events News Comments

Deep South Texas is expected to see economic growth again this year, although the increases in activity may be a little smaller than the numbers for 2018, according to an economic forecast compiled by Salvador Contreras, director of the Center for Border Economic Studies at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. “Texas had a strong 2018,” Contreras said. “This year may not be as strong but we will have…

Plans Finalizing for Air Ambulance Service

February 5, 2019

VBR

Featured Healthcare News Comments

Leaders for Hidalgo County EMS/South Texas Air Med met on Jan. 31 to work to finalize a plan to provide helicopter air ambulance service to area hospitals. The announcement came shortly after Air Evac Lifeteam in McAllen immediately ceased operations. “We anticipate to launch a helicopter air ambulance service within the next 90 to 120 days,” said Kenny Ponce, President/CEO of Hidalgo County EMS/South Texas Air Med. “It’s something we…